YMCA Family Fitness Fun Run invites everyone to get active

Its first Family Fun Run will to be held Saturday, June 28, at 11 a.m.

Kristina FontesCorrespondent

TAUNTON — The Old Colony YMCA in Taunton is gearing up for its first ever Family Fun Run, to be held Saturday, June 28, at 11 a.m.

Stephanie Mancini, Executive Director of the Taunton Branch, said that this first family fun run is part of a larger movement to “diversify our offerings and make the Y more appealing to families. We also think it’s important to incorporate health and wellness into events that families can participate in as a whole.”

The event will feature a one-mile run starting and finishing at the YMCA. There is a $25 entrance fee per family, which includes the run, pizza and ice cream, and open swim at the YMCA’s pool.

Dina Swanson, of Somerset, a member of the YMCA Board of Governors and an attorney at Wynn & Wynn P.C. in Raynham, makes time in her busy schedule for family togetherness and fitness.

“At the Y, there is a focus on teaching children about the importance of keeping kids active and healthy,” said Swanson, a mother of two young girls. “This day is a way for families to do something together, have fun and get active.”

The YMCA is committed to providing services to the community and extensive programs for its members, and since joining the Board of Governors, Swanson has seen and admired the great scope of these programs.

“The Y offers scholarships for kids to go to camp who would otherwise be unable to afford it, a Livestrong program for cancer survivors, and a number of other programs that help those in our community in need,” Swanson said.

In order to do so, the YMCA depends on donations and generous contributions to its Annual Campaign.

This year’s Fun Run will not only promote family wellness; Mancini views it as “a great opportunity to help raise funds for our Annual Campaign. The Annual Campaign is crucial to our community and with these funds we are able to help subsidize child care, memberships and programming for adults and youth.”

The Family Fun Run aims to bring the community together once more.

Mancini said the YMCA is “excited to partner up with Wynn & Wynn for this special event. Wynn & Wynn is the primary sponsor of this event and will be providing volunteers the day of the race. It’s fun to get other partners of the community to work together for a great cause.”

Before the run begins, families can warm up with some dancing with DJ Zoom and learn the proper way to stretch before exercising. Those participating in the run can also walk or stroll in order to complete it.

Swanson is “looking forward to a great day.”

After the race, families are welcome to check out the Y’s pool, which also has a kids’ pool area.

Pizza will be served thanks to Tom & Jimmy’s of Taunton, and Webster Bank is funding ice cream sundaes to be provided by Tom & Jimmy’s.

Every participant will get a water bottle and certificate of achievement, and the event is open to all families in the community and for all levels of fitness.

“You don’t have to be a marathoner to join this event. All are welcome!”

Families can register for the Fun Run at the YMCA at 71 Cohannet St. in Taunton, Wynn & Wynn at 90 New State Highway in Raynham, or online at: g2racereg.webconnex.com/taunton1in2014.